Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VDz2Q6cuwsk

Why do so many dads feel like they’re failing, even when they’re doing their best?

In this honest and soul-stirring conversation, John Eldredge helps us trace the ache beneath our anger, our addictions, and our constant striving. He explains why most men are still chasing love and validation they never received, how childhood wounds shape adult behavior, and why true healing—not behavior modification—is the key to becoming the man your family needs.

Jerrad and John unpack father wounds, mother wounds, emotional detachment, and the deep desire for adventure that often gets twisted into sin. If you've ever felt like you're just trying to survive—numbing your pain, doubting your worth, or holding your breath through life—this conversation will help you breathe again.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why behavior change won’t work without soul healing
• How father and mother wounds still shape your adult life
• The two core needs every boy carries into manhood
• Why adventure and validation matter to your spiritual life
• How to begin healing old attachments and rewire your story
• What it looks like to fight for your family, your faith, and your future

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Wild at Heart and Resilient by John Eldredge
• Experience Jesus (John’s new book on healing)
• Why boys need a thousand moments of delight from their dads
• How your unhealed story gets passed to your kids
• Jerrad’s punching bag story (and why it felt amazing)
• Invite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.com
• Read Dad Tired and Loving It: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB

Today's Sponsors:

Tyndale Study Bibles + World Watch News

What if the part of you that you hate the most is the part God is most eager to heal?

In this episode, Jerrad opens up about a moment that nearly ended him, and the journey that brought him back. He shares a powerful story from his two-week intensive recovery experience, including the surprising object that became a symbol of grace and compassion. If you’ve ever carried shame, hidden pain, or felt like your sin disqualifies you from being loved, this conversation is for you.

Whether you’re a husband, father, or man who’s just tired of pretending, this episode is an invitation to drop the shame and discover the healing God offers to the parts of you that feel unlovable.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why shame makes healing so hard, and what finally breaks its grip.
• The powerful metaphor that helped Jerrad see himself through God’s eyes.
• How childhood wounds shape adult sin patterns.
• What Jesus actually thinks about your sin (hint: it’s not what you assume).
• The difference between guilt, shame, and compassion.
• A fresh way to view your struggles, and the small boy inside still seeking safety.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• The Dwell Bible App – dwellbible.com/dadtired (25% off for listeners).
• The two-week men's recovery intensive Jerrad attended.
• A simple but profound healing exercise involving a stuffed monkey.

Invite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.com
Read The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/WDK9O0VZ7lo

What if your marriage wasn’t just surviving—but actually healing you?

In this powerful episode, Jerrad sits down with author and speaker Gabe Lyons (The Fight for Us) to talk about the real work of building a thriving marriage—especially when life throws curveballs like special needs parenting, trauma, and unspoken pain.

They unpack:

• The power of radical honesty (and why most couples never get there)
• How to stop nursing wounds in silence and start creating real intimacy
• Why “no secrets” might be the most life-changing marriage rule
• What to do when you feel emotionally disconnected
• How confession and emotional leadership can radically change your marriage and parenting

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your marriage or unsure how to lead your family spiritually—this conversation is for you.

📘 Check out Gabe’s new book: The Fight for Us: Overcome What Divides and Build a Marriage That Thrives
Invite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.com
Read The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB

Today's Sponsor: Classical Conversations Homeschooling